Justin Hamilton Could Improve the Warriors Crop of Centers
By Andrew Ites
Justin Hamilton has been playing in China this season, but he could solve a couple of the Warriors problems off of the bench.
Golden State’s center rotation has been a talking point for most of the last two seasons after Andrew Bogut left in free agency.
The Warriors have found a couple of quality centers in David West and Jordan Bell, but the rest of the centers on the roster are probably replacement-level players. Golden State has until March 1st to add a playoff-eligible player, and they could be looking to add a center for this playoff run.
Justin Hamilton averaged 6.9 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game with the Nets last season. He shot a decent percentage from three as a stretch-five (30.6%), but more importantly he got up 2.8 three-point attempts per game, which made opposing defenses respect him as a shooter.
Hamilton provides solid rim protection on the defensive end as well. He averaged 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes with Brooklyn last season, and he had a stretch of 17 games in 2014-15 where he averaged 1.5 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game with Minnesota.
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Hamilton is only 27 years old, and he should be in solid game shape after playing for the Shougang Beijing Ducks in China this season.
David West, Jordan Bell, Kevon Looney, and Zaza Pachulia’s spots on the roster are probably safe, which means JaVale McGee would be the odd man out if the Warriors decide to add another center.
Justin Hamilton would add some three-point shooting, which the Warriors desperately need off the bench, and he’s capable of playing some solid defense. However, at this point in the season, I don’t think it’d be worth shaking up the roster for Hamilton.